Collisions Involving Pedestrians Entering the Roadway In Front of Stopped Traffic
Motor vehicle accidents that involve pedestrians can have catastrophic results. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 5,000 pedestrians were killed in 2015. Additionally, over 128,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for injuries that were related to car accidents in which they were a pedestrian hit by a car. Pedestrian-car collisions can have serious consequences.
One common type of pedestrian-car collision occurs when a pedestrian enters the roadway in front of stopped traffic, thinking that the stopped vehicles make it safe to cross. The pedestrian is then hit by a vehicle traveling in the same direction as the stopped traffic. This can occur because the vehicle that struck the pedestrian did not see the pedestrian preparing to cross the roadway.
If a driver hit you after entering a roadway you thought was safe to cross, contact our lawyers today to discuss your legal rights and find out if you have a case against the driver for negligence. We are a national law firm and we can help injured pedestrians in any state pursue their cases.
Liability
When a car accident that involves a pedestrian occurs, one legal issue that comes up is whether the pedestrian or the driver is the one responsible for causing the collision. It is not always true that the pedestrian is guaranteed the right-of-way. Our lawyers can help you evaluate the facts of your case to determine if you are entitled to compensation. The most common scenarios in which the pedestrian is liable or partially liable for the car accident include:
- Intoxication of the pedestrian
- Failure to obey traffic control devices (walking while the “Do Not Walk” light is lit up)
- Jaywalking
Drivers are also liable when they are found to have failed to follow traffic control devices. Other common ways a driver is liable, include the driver being intoxicated and distracted driving. You’ll need to demonstrate that the driver was at least partially at fault for the collision in order to successfully obtain a settlement.
Crossing The Street
Although it may seem safe to cross the street, pedestrians should be on the alert and should make every effort to cross at designated crosswalks. When a pedestrian crosses in the middle of the roadway, there is a significant risk. Even if you believe that traffic has completely stopped to allow you to cross safely, it does not mean that other drivers approaching you in other lanes can see you or even know why the other vehicle or vehicles have stopped in the roadway. By the time they can see you, it may be too late.
If you have been injured when crossing a roadway with stopped traffic, the specific facts of your case will be vital in determining whether you or the driver are liable for the collision. You may have a claim of negligence against the driver that hit you. Contact our lawyers today for a consult to evaluate the strengths of your case. We may be able to help you pursue compensation for your damages resulting from the accident.